I’ve been catching some of the commentary on traditional news outlets and social media over the tragic death of big-hearted, super-talented actor-comedian Robin Williams. It seems pretty obvious he was a great guy and a dazzling talent. I feel for his family and friends. It’s horrible to be left by suicide, especially when you haven’t been consulted. (I know that might sound flippant, but I mean it.)

There’s a lot of confused and simplistic messaging flying around about depression, suicide, celebrity and being a professional comic – now throw in Parkinson’s – and, much as I’m reluctant to add to this overfull conversation, I think I’ve gotta pipe up.

Robin Williams had bipolar illness. (We used to call it manic-depressive disorder). And that’s one very tough condition to manage.

Sure, he had the standard demons. All the stuff people are writing is no doubt true. He had the usual troubles from celebrity and fame. He was never secure with “steady” work. He needed to please people and make them happy, probably to his detriment. He struggled with various addictions, probably connected to self-medicating his mood swings. He was worried about having Parkinson’s.

But the guy was bipolar. And that defines the problem and trumps all of the above, which are no doubt contributing factors, but not the main event.